Billy Gibbons honoured by State of Texas

Wed, 18 May 2011

The state of Texas has awarded ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and country star Lyle Lovett with its Texas State Musician award it was confirmed earlier this week.

The awards were given by a legislative-appointed committe for the 'exceptional quality of their work and for their outstanding commitment to the arts in Texas'.To qualify for the awards, artists must be Texas natives or lived in the State for minimum 5 years.

"In honoring these individuals we bring attention to the important role the arts play in shaping Texas' cultural landscape," said Gary Gibbs, executive director for the Texas Commission on the Arts. "These Texas State Artists are the best of the best. Their work defines our character of place and reflects the distinctive qualities that make Texas unique."

"To say we're proud to be named Texas State Musician for 2012 would be a complete understatement," said Billy Gibbons, in a statement earlier this week before adding, "To be so honored along with our good friend Lyle Lovett makes this recognition that much sweeter, and a tip of the hat to 2012 Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist Bill FitzGibbons. We promise to forward all mail sent our way that might be intended for him."


----Last year we interviewed Billy Gibbons in London ahead of the ZZ Top's headlining performance at High Voltage Festival, check out a clip below or click here to watch the full feature!